Dear Brothers and Sisters, Citizens and Residents:
I would like to thank all of you for your interest in communicating with me through the official Prime Minister's Website. It is my sincere hope that our communication will continue to serve the interest of our country and its people.
I must say that this type of direct communication, though new in format, is not new in principle. It is part of a continuing practice wherein I meet daily with many of my brothers and sisters, citizens of our country, on my visits to government departments and during my field trips across the United Arab Emirates. I also directly communicate with them during official and unofficial occasions, which I attend frequently. I view such two-way communications and contacts as extremely valuable.
The leadership of our country, my brother President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan and my brothers, the other rulers of the Emirates, are keen on opening direct communication channels with our citizens and residents. Such an attachment between leadership and people is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of the UAE. It is also a genuine value that we have inherited from the great founders of the country.
Those of us in the Federal Government of the UAE, always put the welfare of our citizens at the core of our work. That's because governments are meant to serve people and not the other way around. I reiterate this whenever I meet government officials. I ask them to get out of their offices and go into the field. I also urge them to use all possible tools of direct communication with the public in order to listen to their views; I urge them work to meet our people's needs with efficiency, speed and procedural simplicity.
This online encounter with the everyday public is the first of its kind, but it will not be the last. The Prime Minister's Website is here to allow all of you to ask as many questions as you wish - and I will regularly answer them. In the last few days alone, I received thousands of questions, and today I am answering some of the questions that I feel will comprehensively benefit all.
Time doesn't permit me to respond directly to other questions right now. But you have my assurance that I will scrutinise all questions carefully, and that I will give directives to the concerned authorities to follow up on these questions.
From: Mohammad Salem, UAE
Your Highness, I want to ask about the latest Cabinet reshuffle. Why was a minister moved from a ministry to be assigned to another. If he has not done a proper job in his first ministry, how can we expect him to perform well in the new ministry? Your Highness, I know that you are the only one who has the answer to this question because you are the decision-maker.
I lead a team, and while working closely with the team members and following up on their performance, I come to know more about the abilities of my team members. For example, I concluded that Humaid Al Qutami would excel more if he handled the Ministry of Education, whereas Hanif Hassan would also excel more if he handled the Ministry of Health.
What has happened in the Cabinet reshuffle could happen in any other organisation, where the manager notices that one of the directors or department heads would be better fit in another section where he would perform a better job. In any case, change in itself is not an aim per se, but only a tool to develop work. Both ministers are effective members of the Cabinet team, and they work hard and with sincerity in accordance with the government strategy. They are aware of the strategies and plans of both ministries because all ministerial strategies, plans, development projects and performance rates are discussed and recorded in the minutes of the Cabinet's meetings.
There is an important point to be made about a minister's job: it is connected to strategies and policies - and it is the minister's responsibility to achieve specific goals as planned, and monitor performance and implementation. The executive affairs and operational details are the responsibility of the general director of the ministry. Rashid Al Nuami is still the General Director of the Ministry of Education, and Ali Bin Shoukr is still the General Manager of the Ministry of Health.
I understand that some people were surprised by the switch in portfolios because such a thing happened for the first time in the government. However, it is more important to understand that among the duties of a leader is understanding the abilities of his team members - and directing them to the field where they will be more productive and creative.
The team continues to work hard, and any change in the tasks assigned to members comes in the larger interest of developing work and enhancing performance. Change happens in the context of continuity.
From: Abdullah Al Hamadi, UAE
Your Highness, Your tour in Oud Al Matina area has delighted us because we saw you happy and content with the new houses for nationals and with the Aswaq project. The villas are beautiful and so is the whole surrounding area, particularly the gardens and streets, which makes a person dream of owning a similar house. My question is: Will all the new houses for nationals be of the same standard? Are we going to see more shopping centres in all areas where nationals dwell?
Yes, I was indeed happy with the new houses for nationals; the area is well planned. I like the greenery, the streets and the facilities. Generally, housing for nationals started to evolve many years ago. Housing projects have changed from simple ‘Sha'abiyat' to modern communities. These communities meet the highest standards in terms of quality, services and the privacy needed for national families. Such development is expected, as we want all the best for our citizens, whose houses should be well-developed. Our communities must reflect the modernity of our country.
As for the Aswaq project, it is a government initiative that has been in preparation for years. We plan to apply the idea to all areas under a timetable. I consider Aswaq to be one of the important development initiatives, because it opens new opportunities for young men and women to work, invest and establish low-cost small businesses. The idea of Aswaq centres takes into consideration the social factors since these centres will encourage the families to have businesses in centres close to where they live. During my tour in Aswaq in Mizhar area, I was happy to see young nationals looking after their businesses and other young men engaging in activities such as baking in the centre of the community.
Aswaq is a promising project. The initiative includes building 22 centres that will be owned by nationals. Meanwhile, when it comes to offering shops for rent, priority will be given to the families of each neighbourhood.
From: Khalid Abu Dawood, Saudi Arabia
Your Highness, I would like to ask you about the UAE's relations with Iran. At one level, the UAE maintains strong trade relations with Iran. But we see that Iran insists on its occupation of the islands and rejects any negotiations. Whenever there is an Arab or Gulf statement on this issue supporting the legitimate right of the UAE, Iran responds aggressively and promptly. Can you kindly explain this uncertain situation to us? Aren't you concerned about the Iran Nuclear Programme? In other words, if Iran manufactures a nuclear weapon, how could the UAE and the region deal with that?
Ever since the establishment of the UAE, one of the main anchors of the UAE's foreign policy has been building cooperation-based relations with all countries of the world. This policy is based on mutual respect, balanced interests, peaceful interaction, non-interference with the internal matters of other states, rejection of violence, and resolution of conflict through dialogue and diplomatic means.
Given that we adopt the principle of not interfering in the internal matters of others, then our adoption of the same principle should be much stronger with a Muslim friend that also happens to be a neighbouring country. Iran's nuclear programme is an internal matter of the nation of Iran, as long as our brothers in Iran continue to reassure the world that the programme is peaceful. Our firm and announced position concerning all kinds of weapons of mass destruction - whether nuclear, chemical, or biological - is that we call for freeing the Middle East Region from all such weapons.
As for the occupation of the three islands, we do not need mediators with Iran. Our position is clear: we are eager to reach a peaceful settlement of the matter with our neighbours in Iran. We pray that we will find a solution to this issue as per the articles of international law. If this issue is solved as such, we could together avoid all what could possibly disturb the security and stability of this region and the relationship between the two countries.
As for our trade relations with Iran, I would say that all the countries of the region maintain trade relations with Iran. These are long-standing relations, dating back hundreds of years. Trade has never ceased across the Arabian Gulf.
I would also like to note that conflicts over territories and national borders exist between many neighbouring countries in the world. Therefore, if conflicts over national borders were the only basis of political relations among countries, we would have seen endless aggressions and countless enemies all over the world. To the contrary, conflicts over national borders have never prevented trade and human exchange.
Trade relations between any two nations always leads to better relations and facilitates the resolution of conflicts. After all, is it easier to resolve your conflicts with friends or with enemies? Friendly relations allow nations to contain the issue and prevent having it develop into a crisis that grows in magnitude beyond national border conflicts that cannot be solved smoothly and fairly. Such crisis scenarios allow third-parties to intervene and pursue their own interests on the account of the conflicting parties and the entire region.
From: Mohammad Al Ghafly, UAE
Your Highness, I am a UAE national pursuing my studies in the UK. I have been filled with anger whenever I've seen examples of the campaign launched against the UAE, and against Dubai in particular, by the international press. Your response to the media questions through the media e-session page has been very relieving to me, as you have been able to comprehensively and accurately clarify the motives behind this campaign and disclose its purpose. However, it really strikes me as very surprising to see that the international press insists to attack the UAE, alternating its attacks between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, despite the recent developments and recovery from the financial crisis. It has been eight months now, and the UAE has successfully handled the implications of the financial crisis. Our banks have proved strong, our liquidity has been improving, our economy has been recovering overall, confirming your statement that we are already over the worst with regard to the financial crisis. What is even more astonishing is that the same international media tend to celebrate the smallest or weakest signals of recovery for Western economies, while constantly criticising the behaviour of UAE economies and digging through old books and slips.
I appreciate your feelings. I also congratulate you for your patriotism. Our citizens have always shown similar levels of enthusiasm and patriotism for their nation whenever and wherever they are, and we are proud of that.
We have become accustomed to such negative news. After all, it is the price we pay for our great success and for maintaining an open society. As you have said, one of the main reasons behind this organised attack against the UAE, and Dubai in particular, is to distort the successful and prominent model of unity set by the UAE. To that I would add that some of the negative news has been fabricated under the supervision of certain people in positions of authority. They have done this in pursuing their personal interest and agendas. We are aware of the reasons, the sources, and the ways such actions are taken.
Everything is clear to us.
As the English saying goes, such negative coverage has become more like “fish and chips'' news. We take it in stride because we have self confidence in the UAE's ability to continue to make economic and social progress.
From: Shaikha Salim, UAE
I have been an Arabic language teacher for 15 years, working for a government school in our beloved country. Your Highness, you are giving attention to education, and we have noticed this ever since you took over as Prime Minister. Your visits to schools in the remotest areas of the country have increased. My question is about your meeting with General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, when you discussed the education strategy. We have not heard much about the details of the meeting in the media despite its significance. Can we know more about what was discussed in such an important meeting? What is your vision for the future of education in the country?
An important development that has happened to education management in the country is expanding decentralisation and establishing educational councils in some Emirates.
The educational councils have been there for more than two years and significant achievements have been made in accordance with the government's plan for education development. My meeting with my brother Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed, who gives great attention to education development, came in the context of reviewing, evaluating and exchanging opinions. About my vision for the future of education: I am totally optimistic about reaching the goals of the education development plan within the shortest possible time. We are determined to upgrade education in our country, to meet the best international standards. With Allah's support, we will be able to achieve this.
We realise that education is the most important element of development; prosperity and the future are shaped by education. We build our future with the hands and minds of our budding generations and we will not accept anything short of the best education. It makes the young highly qualified, and gives them confidence and competence in a time when human capital is the real asset for nations.
From: Al Anoud Saif Al Suwaidi, UAE
Your Highness, you will not imagine the amount of admiration I have for you, your personality and your leadership. You are the poet, the knight, the ruler and the big-hearted man who is close to his people. I hope I can meet you one day - I am a keen follower of your activities on a daily basis. My question for you is: How do you keep track of what is going on in the country and in the government? I've noticed you know about what is going on even in the remotest areas of the country, and you know the names of many government employees. There are some reports that say you intimately know what is going on in all government departments of Dubai and the whole country. Is this right?
Assuming responsibility at a national level implies that a person should be aware of what is going on in the country and the government. Parents are responsible for their children and they look after them: bringing them up well, making sure they study and behave well, and looking into how they spend their free time. It is vital for every responsible person to fulfill his responsibilities and duties. An uninformed employee, will not be able to fulfill his duties and responsibilities; the same goes to the doctor who does not keep himself up-to-date, and to the accountant who is not aware of the latest computerised accounting programmes. Mastering your area of expertise will enable you to competently perform your duties.
It is my duty to be fully aware of what is going on in my country, and in the government. My mission in life is to serve my country and my people. I know all the contours of my country, and I know the conditions and ambitions of my people because I live amongst them without any barriers between us. I utilise different tools for following up on the various affairs of the country and its citizens as well as on the ministries and different government entities. It is through these follow-up mechanisms, such as field visits, that I come to know the names of my employees, who are usually the ones who excel in their performance.
From: Mohammad Al Shehy, UAE
Your Highness, I like and appreciate poetry and I want to ask you: who is your favourite poet in Nabati (local accent) and in classic Arabic?
There are several Nabati poets whose work I like. Shaikh Zayed - may his soul rest in peace - was an excellent poet. I also like the poems of Ibn Zaher. I would rather not mention specific names of modern poets, as they are all my friends. As for classical poetry, I do appreciate Al Mutanabi, Al Buhtouri and Abu Tamam among the old ones. Amongst the modern poets, I like the poems of Ahmad Shawky, Hafez Ebrahim and Omar Abu Reesha. Generally, I appreciate the beautiful verses of any poet.
From: Mohammad Sharif, Dubai
Your Highness, I am writing to you to complain about the reckless driving of many young nationals. I see them recklessly driving cars and motorbikes. There are tens of fatalities in road accidents. I, myself, lost my first son in a car accident caused by another young man. I was also about to lose my second son in a similar accident. We talk to our sons and daughters day and night, and they don't listen. Please advise about what should be done. Why don't the traffic police impose strict rules to stop reckless drivers?
Road accidents and the fatalities they cause are among the matters that raise the concern of the government the most. The responsibility of stopping reckless drivers is shared between the family and the police. The traffic departments within the Ministry of Interior and in different cities look well after the traffic issues, and they are doing their best. They keep toughening penalties on violators, but you cannot put a police patrol in every single street in the country. This is not feasible - neither in the UAE nor in any other country. I feel it is the family's responsibility to watch their children and get to know their friends and the places they go to. Parents should monitor their children's performance at school and implant in them the habit of respecting the law. I want to assure you that the concerned authorities are doing their best to curb road fatalities and penalties will continue to be more vigorous if there remains a need to do that.
From: Maryam Mohammad Ali, UAE
Your Highness, I am a history teacher at one of the country's government schools. I have carefully followed your last meeting with students and I was touched by the story you narrated about the first meeting between Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid in two tents in the Al Sameeh area to discuss the union of our beloved country. I want to know more about the meeting because we don't know much about the circumstances that surrounded the signing of the union agreement.
The relationship between Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid was unique and based on mutual respect and appreciation. In addition to the fact that they were from the same tribe and ancestors, they both strongly believed that Abu Dhabi and Dubai shared the same future and that their union would come to serve the interest of the country and its people. They had known each other since they were young men in the 1940s and before they became rulers; both worked on strengthening the bonds between the Emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
As for establishing the union, the idea was first proposed in the 1950s, but was kept as a mere dream for a while, until Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid decided to turn the dream into reality. Then, came the meeting on February 18th, 1968 to announce the union between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, and to call upon the rest of the Emirates to join the union. In ten days, rulers of the emirates met in Dubai and started negotiating the establishment of the UAE. The negotiations resulted in the formation of a union that gathered seven emirates under the umbrella of the United Arab Emirates.
My memory of the meeting attended by Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid are always vivid in my mind, as it is the meeting that marked the announcement of the first union between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. I feel that I was blessed to have witnessed this great event, which opened the doors of opportunity for the UAE and the entire region.
The two beloved Shaikhs had previously agreed on the timing and location of the meeting. Two tents were prepared: one was for meetings and the other one for guests and services, in an area known as ‘A'arqoob Al Sidairah,' and not in Sameeh, as has been generally assumed. The two Shaikhs showed up, each with three assistants. After the customary opening speeches with which meetings are usually begun, the two respected Shaikhs did not take long to decide on the union because they came to the meeting with the intention of reaching a union agreement. They worked for the interest of the country and its people out of their firm belief that the union was the best way to achieve development, stability and security amid regional and international challenges. Shortly after the beginning of the meeting, the Shaikhs shook hands and Shaikh Rashid told Shaikh Zayed: “With Allah's blessings, you are the president of the union.'' That meeting marked the first step on the blissful path that our country has been following, moving from an achievement to another and from a success to another.
From: Saif Abdullah Al Yahamhi, UAE
Your Highness, my question is about the UAE President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. We want to know more about your relationship with His Highness since you have many common experiences. We would like to know more about His Highness Shaikh Khalifa's personality.
We have known each other since we were young men, and we managed to better know each other when the union meetings started. Since the establishment of the Federation of the UAE in December 1971, we have been working, each in his position, for the interest and prosperity of the country and the people.
After Shaikh Zayed became the Ruler of Abu Dhabi in 1966, Shaikh Khalifa was his aide and gained lots of experience in managing the country's affairs and politics; he also acquired comprehensive knowledge about the country and citizens. Shaikh Khalifa has inherited his father's wisdom and foresight, generosity, patience and his support for the poor and down-trodden. He is a leader who is truly devoted to serve his country and his people. Shaikh Khalifa's ultimate happiness is to see every man and woman of the UAE happy and enjoying a prosperous life.
From: A Federal government employee, UAE
Your Highness, my question is about women's status in the UAE. We read from time to time, in the newspapers, that the percentage of Emirati women employed by the federal government exceeds men. If I am not wrong, the percentage of Emirati women enrolled in universities is about 70 per cent, which also exceeds men. Emirati women are now ministers, members in the National Council and ambassadors. What are your expectations 20 years from now? Do you think women will be managing the government? Will we need, one day, organisations that advocate men's rights? I think much about this and I feel we are heading toward this direction.
This is an important question and an astute observation. I would assume you are happy with such a good phenomenon. Women in the UAE are fully responsible, and they are not inferior to men in any way. This is not new, because since the days of our grandparents when men used to go on diving and trade journeys for months, mothers, wives and sisters were looking after the family's affairs inside and outside the house, herding cattle, bringing water, while suffering the absence of their men, being worried about their fathers, husbands and sons.
Emirati women have experienced the hardest of times and managed to overcome all hardships, which makes us very proud. Today, the Emirati woman excels in education and she is very serious about learning. No wonder she is managing her way through government offices to become a minister and an ambassador. The status that women enjoy in the UAE did not happen accidentally, but it is the result of planned work and keenness on human development that equally benefits women and men. We should not overlook the efforts of women leaders, headed by Her Highness Shaikha Fatma Bint Mubarak, who worked continuously for decades and launched many initiatives to provide the best opportunities in education and employment for the women of the UAE.
About the percentage of women that exceeds men in government and in universities, it is because of the UAE woman's choices. I am proud of the status the Emirati women have reached. Just look back, 40 years ago, to the numbers of educated versus illiterate people; you will realise the tremendous achievements and the big leap our society, and women in particular, have taken.
From: Salim Al Ka'abi, UAE
My question is about Emiratisation. We see many officials talking about Emiratisation and we hear a lot about career fairs, but still we hear a lot of citizens complaining, on live radio programmes, that they cannot find jobs. Unfortunately, there is no real Emiratisation within the government. Your Highness, for how long Emiratisation is going to remain an issue of concern? Does the government have a plan to solve it? In my opinion, people who are in charge of this, only care about being in the media, and we don't see real results. I am confident that Your Highness and the other Shaikhs are not content with this. The problem is with those who are handling the issue of Emiratisation.
The government does have an Emiratisation plan for the ministries. The UAE Cabinet has established, in its last meeting, the UAE Emiratisation Council. Your conclusion is wrong - and it is also wrong to blame people who are in charge; they are sincere citizens of the country and it is not acceptable to cast doubts on their sincerity.
Sometimes I listen to complaints via the radio's live broadcast and I totally understand when the complainer is upset - but sometimes he or she is upset because he did not get exactly what he or she wanted regardless of specialization, experience, or the availability of the job he or she is looking for. We want a job for every citizen at an employable age, which fits his qualifications and meets his ambitions.
We have not yet achieved an ideal situation of Emiratisation - and the problem is not with the officials in charge. It is somewhere else. The government is well aware of this reality and is working on solving the problem in a scientific way, aiming to provide suitable jobs for all citizens in the government and within the private sectors.
From: Zeyad Mahmoud, UAE
Your Highness, great deeds are made by determined people and generosities come from nobles. You have made great humanitarian initiatives and undertaken international projects that serve science and knowledge. You have initiated plans to cure one million people and educate one million children worldwide. You have endowed $10 billion to support knowledge worldwide. My question, Sir, is: What motivates you to create all these great initiatives? Do you think your initiatives will encourage other Arab leaders to follow your footsteps?
It is our religious beliefs, our values and our morals that motivate us. We want all the best for our people in the Arab world and for our brothers in humanity, equally to what we want for ourselves. The real value of a human being is not in what he possesses, but in what he gives. Our religion teaches us to mingle with people from other countries. Giving and cooperating for good causes widely opens the door for knowing other people. It is noble to have sympathy and to feel for others in need. I am sorry to see that giving is still limited in our Arab and Islamic societies compared to other countries. We should be the first to give and we should be a role model for others. Our grandparents were the first to give to the needy: they built hospitals, schools, learning centres and created endowments for orphans, widows, people in need and students.
From: Ebtesam Saif, UAE
Your Highness, I am an Emirati mother of three children, and I do admire you and your sons, particularly Shaikh Hamdan. I want to ask you about the way you bring up your children and the values you are keen to convey to them. How do you motivate them to be ambitious and achieve excellence in all their endeavours?
I am bringing up my children in accordance with the teachings of our Islamic religion, our authentic Arab values and our inherited customs and traditions.
I teach them that they have been destined to be the children of a ruling family and that they should be role models in work and behaviour for other young people. I also teach them to do their best to serve their country and its people. I teach them that a healthy mind is in a healthy body. They have to study extremely well, and have an open mind, along with tolerance towards others' cultures and experiences, and at the same time stay physically fit and play sports regularly.
It is only natural that people have been created with differences - and it is the father's responsibility to become aware of his children's different interests and help them nurture and develop them.
As for motivating children to become ambitious, it comes from encouraging them, generating self-confidence, and recalling role-models from the past and the present.
From: Abdullah Abdul Rahman, UAE
Your Highness, I am an employee with one of Dubai's local government departments and I have a question about your follow-up on the local government departments as we have noticed that most of your meetings and visits target ministries and federal entities. We are aware of your busy agenda and your multi-responsibilities. We want to know if there are meetings with the directors of Dubai's local government departments and how do you follow up on them. Sir, we need your guidance and directives and your visits to the local departments in Dubai.
The attention given to the local departments from my side is equal to the one given to the federal government entities. This is reflected through my frequent presence in Dubai Government's Executive Council's meetings, as well as my continuous meetings and visits to the local departments. The local directors and officials are always seen in my Majlis where we discuss different issues of concern to the local government of the Emirate of Dubai.
There are direct instructions and directives from me to the Crown Prince and the Vice Ruler to continuously follow up on the performance of the Dubai government departments.
From: Eman Abdullah, UAE
Your Highness, do you like reading? What are the kinds of books your read?
Yes, I like reading and it is part of my daily programme. I follow on the latest books that get published through summaries prepared by specialists. Some of these summaries catch my attention, and I ask for the book to read it. Most of my readings are about politics, history, autobiographies and poetry.
From: Mohammad Abdul Rahman, UAE
Your Highness, my question is about the national identity of young men and women. We have started to notice that young men and women wear Western costumes and speak foreign languages. I don't feel they represent the real Emirati citizen. What is your opinion about this phenomenon? Is our culture and identity at risk? Or are they exceptions that do not reflect the real majority?
Our young men and women are good, and they are loyal and well-connected to the country; they are proud of their national identity.
The segment you are talking about is just a minority, limited in number and temporary in its behaviour. Even if such behaviour lasts for some time, it will come to an end.
As for your question about national identity, it is a frequently asked question because the cultural identity is like a living being: it grows, develops, forms a family and gets children. It has its one foundation, just like culture. Their components don't change, but they grow, develop and get conveyed from a generation to another. It remains alive as long as it is open and capable of interacting and absorbing new variables.
In 38 years since our federation was formed, we have managed to build a constantly growing Emirati national identity that is deeply rooted in the citizens of the country, whether in the old generations who experienced the establishment of the federation, or in the new generation who were born after the federation was established.
As for our Arab and Islamic culture, it is strong and deeply-rooted. It has survived for centuries in the face of huge challenges. I feel this culture has been going through a renewal process for the last few decades and its renewal is a sign of strength and survival.
From: Fatima Eshaq, UAE
Your Highness, I want to ask you a personal question if possible. My question is about children in your life. We saw very beautiful photos online of Your Highness with Al Jalila and Shaikha Fatima Bint Mansour. Do you have time to spend with children? What do you think of the fathers who don't spend time with their children?
Yes, I am always keen to see my child Al Jalila and my grandchild Fatima Bint Mansour. I am also keen to visit school children and children with special needs at their schools whenever I can. Frankly, I don't think a father will be happy not spending time with his children, though some fathers don't do this. I feel sorry for them because they are losing out on such precious moments. I also do feel sorry for the children who are not given much of their father's love, because this will leave its impact on their personalities in the future.
From: Salem Al Shehi, UAE
Your Highness, why is there no excellence award targeting ministries and federal entities, similar to the one targeting the Dubai Government?
Preparations are under way, as planned, for the launch of an excellence award targeting ministries. The new award will be honoured by carrying the name of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahaya.
From: Salem Bin Saloom, UAE:
Your Highness, I am a government employee in one of the new ministries. I read in our newspaper reports and articles about the government services and the conditions in the rural areas and I feel they are talking about another country, not the UAE. Why do you accept such cynicism and exaggeration in media coverage. They turn a tiny problem into a complicated issue and they make a mistake look like a bad phenomenon and a shortage in a school or a hospital like missed planning by ministries.
Yes, sometimes criticism is exaggerated, but I think the aim of such exaggeration is to attract attention. Sometimes there is a mix-up between public and personal interests, but this is short-lived and it soon gets uncovered.
But, of course, we don't accept exaggeration or any bad practice. We count on the wise media to correct mistakes done by some journalists and we count on the readers' awareness to distinguish between right and wrong. I visited, purposely, several places that the media highlighted as disastrous areas - and I was surprised to see the opposite to what was portrayed in the newspapers. Also, there were follow-ups on some issues highlighted by some writers and it was revealed that the issues were addressed in a wrong way and not based on accurate information.
Mistakes do happen, but what's important is to learn from these mistakes and avoid their repetition. We assume good intentions in the person who makes mistakes, but I want newspapers to train their staff to be more accurate and honest in what they publish.
From: Khamis Al Za'abi, UAE
Your Highness: I am an employee with the federal government and I work hard. I am sincere and outstanding in my work, and all my superiors are aware of this. We heard about the UAE Government Leadership Programme, which has been launched to prepare leaders in the federal government. It is a great idea and it reflects your vision of investing in the human capital. But the officials who look after the programme have not opened it for all to participate, and we aspire to be part of the programme and better serve our country. We have heard about the merits of the programme, and we hope Your Highness will direct those in charge of the programme to open it to all, giving them a fair opportunity to serve our country.
We launched the Leadership Programme in 2008 as a pilot project for a year. The process of selecting the candidates went through the ministries, where each ministry nominated a number of outstanding employees. An accurate evaluation process has ended up with 30 candidates, regardless of their entity, to make sure selection was based solely on the best caliber for such a vibrant and significant programme.
I've directed the officials in charge of the programme to study the possibilities of opening the programme for self-nominated candidates along with candidates nominated by ministries and entities to ensure the programme recruits the best caliber.
From: Saeed Abdullah, UAE
Your Highness, my question is about UAE Federal e-government and the reason behind the delay in launching its e-services.
We have assured through the Government Strategy the importance of developing the e-government services, and that it is a priority when it comes to improving governmental services.
Yes, some delay has occurred due to the size of the project and the need for a vast technological infrastructure. We have assigned such a strategic project to the General Information Authority (GIA); the authority is working on speeding up the process of moving ministries and federal entities into a comprehensive form of digital services.
The authority cooperates with all ministries and entities in this regard. At the same time, each ministry and federal entity is working in accordance with a comprehensive strategy for e-services that is committed to the highest standards of performance, monitored by the Performance Department within the Prime Minister's Office.
There is also a timeline for the gradual move into full e-services, in a way that guarantees citizens' satisfaction and their coping with the new forms of government services.
There is no doubt that speed is required to achieve our vision, however the pace must be well calculated. The government is keen to deliver services of the highest quality that is not just based on communication, but on the best possible communication – that is, communication with quality. We, here in the UAE, feel that we are capable of becoming pioneers in e-government worldwide, especially that the UAE has gained the first position in the Arab region in this regard.
From: Khalid Salman, Dubai
Your Highness, you have comforted us and clarified many issues that we were not previously aware of. I've noticed that you keep an eye on every single detail here and there. You also keep an eye of the international and Arab media reports, and you are aware of all dimensions of the international financial crisis and its impact. How do you manage to follow-up on all this and keep yourself updated? How do you find the time for all this?
First of all, I do communicate with people and live among them. People see me on the streets, in restaurants, and in public and social occasions. Second, the UAE is a country based on institutions, and we have teams of experts in all areas: politics, security, economics, social affairs, culture and media. I follow all this through mechanisms of organized and accurate work. I receive reports, studies and analysis on a daily bases - and sometimes more than once a day - from several sources.
It is said that ‘Knowledge is Power' and we live in the ‘Information Age'. In today's world, we are more interconnected than ever and we have clearly seen this during the global financial crisis. Therefore, it is crucial for every leader to keep updated with what is going on in the world around him, follow on the developments and study their impact on his country. It is a way to read the future, expect new trends, and be prepared to deal with all possible challenges as well as opportunities.
I always encourage government officials to keep themselves abreast with the latest developments. They have to stay alert or they will lose. Also, it is important for officials in charge to have the team spirit; otherwise they will not be able to learn and know everything. A person cannot know all by himself and he needs others to support him and keep him informed.
From: Sara Abdullah, Sharjah
Your Highness: After all you have achieved, what are your dreams?
My dreams have always been to see the UAE more prosperous and flourishing with well-being and happiness of its people. I want to see the UAE as a model of excellence and innovation, leading the way, not only in our region and the Arab World, but in the whole world.
I am confident that we will be able to achieve this because we have been gifted with wise leadership that views people as the real asset of the country. The UAE leadership desires the best for the citizens of the country, works for their interests, and directs all policies, decisions and projects toward this purpose. This is what I hope for my country and my people. I also want the best for my brothers in the Arab World and I hope to see the Arab countries as well advancing nations. Just as I am thrilled to see our achievements here in the UAE, I will also be thrilled to see the Arab achievements.
Thanks to Allah, the UAE is always ready to support other countries. The UAE has given the Arab world a successful model of unity, proving that opportunities of cooperation and unified efforts are possible, away from differences.
From: Saif Saeed, Abu Dhabi
Your Highness, I am a 16-year-old student and I always envy outstanding students whom I see on pictures with Your Highness. I always wish I were one of them. I hope you will have a meeting with the outstanding students next year because I am really studying hard and next year, I will get excellent grades to be one of them and to meet and talk to you.
Thank you Saif. Nothing is better than studying hard and equipping yourself with education and success. You need to continue to study hard and you will be among the outstanding students of the country. I am always thrilled to meet outstanding students, because I see in their eyes the successful and bright future of our country.
From: Al Anoud Mourshid Mohammad Al Shehi, UAE
We want the UAE to lead in the medical and scientific fields. Are there any plans in this regard?
Yes, we want the UAE to lead in the medical and scientific fields and we are progressing in developing both sectors: education and health, and heading towards the right direction.
From: Mohammad Bakheet Khamis Al Suwaidi, UAE
Your Highness, I am a national working for Dubai Islamic Bank and I have some hobbies that I excel in and I feel I can do good things for Dubai and the UAE. I have a suggestion to train nationals to work on the safety and security of Dubai Metro. Have they received training on metro safety since it is an important issue for Dubai, which is known for being a safe city that peacefully accommodates many nationalities.
Thank you for your genuine patriotism. The issue of safety and security across the UAE and Dubai, and in all public facilities is a priority. Your brothers in charge of this project are well looking after this.
From: Maryam Mohammad Abdullah, UAE
Is there any plan to give people with citizenship decree's special ID cards? Or will they be granted UAE nationality?
The UAE Ministry of Interior is looking after the issue of people with citizenship decrees and it has previously announced that it is looking after their case.
From: Abdullah Ahmad Rashid Abdullah Al Hamoudi, UAE
How does the UAE government strategy address the development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, especially when it comes to advancing the role of Emirati diplomats abroad? What about their interests inside the UAE? How do they obtain their rights whether housing or other government services in the absence of an entity that follows up on these rights while they spend most of their time outside the country?
We are sincerely proud of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the diplomats working as part of it. The development of the ministry's staff is an ongoing process through the Diplomatic Institute or courses abroad. As for the interests of UAE diplomats inside the country, especially when it comes to their share of housing programme initiatives, I would like to affirm that they are covered within these programmes.
We make sure that they receive all the services and benefits to which all UAE nationals are entitled.
I appreciate the significant role of our diplomats, and I pay tribute to them for the honour of representing their nation aboard. I also understand the hardship of being away from home and I highly value the sacrifices our diplomats encounter as part of their job. Please rest assured that they are never forgotten, nor are they left out of the consideration of the leadership of the UAE.
From: Khalid Abdullah Rashid Mohammad Yousuf Bin Dina, Bahrain
Your Highness, my question concerns the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Are there any plans of opening the doors for their recruitment in UAE federal government entities? Thank you.
The doors are open for the citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council to work in our federal government departments and authorities. In fact, our ministries currently employ a number of GCC citizens. The employment policy in the federal government of the UAE sets the priority of recruitment in the government as follows: UAE nationals, followed by GCC citizens, then Arabs, and then foreigners.
From: Yaser Abdullah Ahmad Al Tunaiji, Ras Al Khaimah
First of all, I would like to thank you, Your Highness, for giving us the opportunity to contact you directly. May Allah bless you with health and welfare. My question is as follows: the phenomenon of “Wasta'' (use of connections) has spread noticeably in our country. We can see it in action everyday. Why is it that we don't see anyone fighting this phenomenon? I have personally suffered from the implications of Wasta, and that's the only reason why I decided to bring the issue up for your kind consideration.
Arguments about Wasta have been going around for a long time, and they will continue to be so. Most of these arguments are not based on facts. The UAE is a nation with limited national human resources, which makes it in need to employ all of its citizens, males and females, to work for the federal and local government entities as well as the private sector.
Therefore, the government has developed the UAE federal human resources law in order to enforce justice and equality in employment and promotion. I believe that those who work hard and ensure they are qualified for the demands of the marketplace are the ones who get the jobs.
This is exactly why the government focuses its efforts on the education, training and development of UAE nationals. Meanwhile, the UAE federal human resources law stipulates the formation of grievance and complaints committees in all federal entities in order to consider the complaints and grievances submitted by employees. The law has also empowered employees to raise their complaints to the Human Resources Authority in case they are not satisfied with the resolution of the committees. Moreover, my website is open to everyone to raise their concerns, complaints, or grievances.
From: Julian Becker
Your Highness, in the light of the current financial crisis, do you expect to reach your vision by 2015 to a satisfying degree? Or do you have to adjust some long-term goals and rather expect the same results for 2020? In essence, when do you expect Dubai and the UAE to reach the end of the current crisis? Kind regards.
Thank you for your question, but you need to distinguish between a vision and a plan. My vision is open towards the future, with no limits whatsoever, whereas strategies and plans designed to enact this vision are always adjustable to the circumstances.
In 2005, we were successful in achieving the objectives of the 2010 plan. Therefore, we had to revise our plan, coming up with the 2006-2015 plan. Following a similar logic, the implications of the global financial crisis required that we revise our 2015 plan. The plan is currently under a careful review, wherein we are monitoring all the developments in the financial markets and the global economy. Should we feel that the timelines set for our initiatives need to be adjusted, we will adjust them in order to maintain a reasonable and actionable plan, and ensure the achievement of its objectives.
As for my expectations, I do expect the achievement of a considerable number of the 2015 objectives, given that the actual achievements during the past years of the 2006-2015 plan have been accomplished ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, and as for my expectations regarding the recovery of our nations from the implications of the financial crisis, I would like to point out that the symptoms of recovery have started to manifest, and the duration of recovery is expected to be much shorter than that required for other economies.
After all, our nation possesses a state-of-the-art legislative framework, our economy is strong, diverse, and resourceful. Our financial system is efficient, and our infrastructure is developed to the highest international standards. We employ the best and most important of human expertise and qualifications, and our business networks are established around the globe. Our accomplishments within the last 10 years would take decades to accomplish by other economies.
From: Faisal Abdul Aziz Ali, UAE
I extend my regards to the greatest leader we've ever known. I would like to ask about the reason for the weak infrastructure in the northern Emirates compared to the capital and Dubai. It could be due to the lack of responsiveness on the part of local departments in the northern Emirates, but we do need a solution. We are all citizens of one nation, and we do feel a difference in the services offered to us, especially in the health and education sectors. We are all faith in you, Your Highness, and we request your advise on this issue.
The Government Strategy of the UAE aims at developing the rural areas to a level that is consistent with the advancement of the entire nation in all fields, whether in health, education, or housing. This is planned through the provision of more basic services similar in quality to urban services, and through the development of the human capital in rural areas to enable it to take part in overall national development.
His Highness, President of the UAE, has launched a Dh16 billion programme to develop rural areas in the northern Emirates and provide it with the facilities according to a comprehensive plan inline with the overall advancement of the UAE in the various cultural and civilization arenas.
Therefore, the development of rural areas is considered a priority in the UAE government strategy, in an attempt to bridge the gaps and achieve balance across the various areas of the country.
The development plan is based on developing the national human capital through improving the standards of living and providing the basic government services in a manner that enables them to actively participate in developing the nation. The government strategy focuses on providing financial support and training to manage the small and medium size businesses in these areas. The strategy also aims at raising awareness of the nationals in those areas to the importance of self-development through awareness campaigns and workshops.
The Ministry of Public works is working on improving the network of roads and transportation to connect the various areas in the UAE through a state-of-the-art transportation network considered as the best in the region. Moreover, numerous schools and health centers have been opened covering the various areas of the UAE during 2008, at a cost of Dh924 million.
In January 2009, the Ministry of Public Works has finished the main phase of rural area development project execution, at a cost of Dh2 billion and Dh250 million. This phase has included developing seven rural areas and transforming them into major cities, which are: Izn, Al Munaiey, Al Taweyeen, Dadna, Al Mudam, Kadra, and Al Khaliyah.
From: Sindiya Al Samahi, UAE
Your Highness, Shaikh Mohammad, there is a question that has been agonising me and I hope that your highness would answer it for me. My question is about the years we have spent in achieving university education, our efforts, and the sleepless nights we spent trying to obtain degrees: why are the UAE nationals in the northern Emirates, and especially in Fujairah, not provided with job opportunities?
First of all, I would like to thank you for your honesty. I do understand the pressure borne by graduates who don't find jobs upon their graduation. However, my daughter, you need to bear in mind that Fujairah, just like all other areas of the UAE is very dear to our hearts, and is at the centre of the attention of His Highness the President, myself, and the Ruler of Fujairah.
The issue faced by the fresh graduates in the northern Emirates and the rural areas in the UAE, including yourself, is the imbalance between the number of graduates and the available job openings in their areas of specialisation. Another issue is the unwillingness of a major percentage of these graduates, especially females, to work in areas remote from their residence.
These issues are not without solutions. New projects in Fujairah will accommodate large numbers of graduates who are willing to work in them. Moreover, the Human Resource Development projects focus on building the skills of graduates who wish to acquire new skills that enable them to enter the competitive market. Meanwhile, all the government entities in Abu Dhabi and Dubai are open for all UAE nationals… even in my executive offices, there are employees from the Emirate of Fujairah as well as from other areas.
From: Maisa Rashid Ghadeer, Dubai Member of the National Council
The evaluation of the performance of local departments in the Emirate of Dubai has contributed towards improving their services and the level of employee performance. This has led Dubai to be ahead of other government departments locally and internationally. This has been the case because the Dubai Government Excellence Award shed the light on the strengths and weaknesses of government departments with high transparency, confirming the principle of administrative monitoring and accountability. Therefore my question is about Your Highness's directions regarding implementing the same strategy on Federal government entities, especially after we've heard that your Highness have already addressed letters to the ministers, evaluating their performance without announcing the performance results to the public. We believe that this hinders the public's ability to participate in evaluating the ministries, especially the service oriented ones. Thank you.
Improving the quality of government services, achieving excellence, and improving citizen satisfaction is among our top priorities. The principle of monitoring and accountability is a fixed policy in our government work, whether in the federal or local government departments. The performance of the government is progressing according to a strategic plan and set timelines. We have dedicated a team to monitor the performance of federal entities and submit periodic reports for our consideration. We have also launched an electronic performance management system, which has a page dedicated to me, wherein I could monitor the performance of all entities.
As for not announcing the performance of ministries, this doesn't imply preventing the public from participation. As a matter of fact, one of the evaluation criteria for all ministries is the satisfaction of citizens with the services provided by these ministries.
In addition, I would like to note that the launch of the Dubai Government Excellence Award did not happen at once. Implementation was carried out on phases, one of which entailed assessing performance internally without announcing the results to the public. Rest assured. The performance of all ministries will be announced, in due time. Meanwhile, ever since the launch of the system, we have pointed out to the public that the highest performance levels have been achieved by the Ministry of Public works and the Shaikh Zayed Housing Programme.
From: Saeed Mohammad Ameen Al Nazari, UAE
Your Highness, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, I always wonder, how can I become a minister one day? Hard work and loyalty to this nation is one of the basic premises. There's no doubt that, you, in your capacity as the Prime Minister, have a set criteria for choosing the appropriate ministers. Could you kindly tell me what are these criteria? How do you go about choosing ministers? As a student, I extend my thanks to you for opening the door of directly communicating with you through this website. Thank you from all my heart.
Ambition is great. Work hard, and focus on excelling in your studies and in the work that you will perform after you graduate. The opportunity to become Ministers exists for all citizens of the UAE. Review the names, biographies, and career track of the Ministers of the UAE, and you will understand that everyone, whether in federal or local government entities, have the chance to become a Minister in the UAE.
Is it possible to define the timeline for executing the recommendations of the Committee on Demographic structure? Is it possible to specify the numbers, nationalities, and professions that will be terminated every year? What role has the global financial crisis played in affecting the foreign labor in the UAE? What lessons can be used to avoid demographic imbalance? What has been the role played by the Minister of Economy in dealing with the financial crisis, especially in terms of dealing with the issue of unemployment among UAE nations? What are the short-term and long-term solutions for recovering from the financial crisis?
I am pleased with your interest and follow up. Naturally, timelines are under progress with the committee on demographic imbalance, along with the numbers, nationalities, and professions among other things as well. The global financial crisis has noticeably affected the foreign workers in the UAE in the sectors that were most affected, such as construction. As for the role of the Minister of Economy in responding to the financial crisis, he is part of the government, which has handled the crisis as a whole. He is also member on the ministerial committee that has been tasked with monitoring and responding to the implications of the crisis. He is constantly carrying out his duties within the policies and procedures of the government.
Meanwhile, dealing with the issue of unemployment is a joint concern that is being handled by a number of ministries and authorities within the framework of the overarching government strategy to ensure training, developing, and employing the national human resources.
From: Yousuf Ahmad Yousuf, UAE
First of all, I would like to thank His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum for this initiative, which is consistent with his constant initiatives to serve the citizens of this country. My question is when will we, the ones who hold a stateless status, obtain the citizenship of the UAE? We are deprived of all the services enjoyed by all citizens and residents. Until when do we have to wait? May Allah grant you health and prosperity.
The Ministry of Interior is working actively and seriously to fix the situation of this segment and closing this case. Whoever deserves the citizenship of the UAE, will get it.
From: Noura Rashid, Saudi Arabia
Is there going to be another book similar to “My Vision''?
I do not like to announce any project before it is ready for execution. There are ideas for a new book, and I have started to outline its main points.
From: Salem Ali, Fujairah
Your Highness, which sports club do you applaud?
I encourage our national teams in all sports. I have high hopes on our national youth football team. My favourite sports club is the club characterized by ambition, which focuses on continuous improvement, maintains sports ethics and a positive spirit, while representing the UAE in an honorable way abroad.
I also follow the national football league and, for this year's championship, I think Al Ahli and Al Jazeera both did a great job; they deserve to share the cup.
From: Ahmad Abdullah Ali Sa'ad, UAE
I have an inquiry about the resolution to build 40,000 villas for UAE nationals. What is the status of this project? We haven't heard any news about progressing in building any villas. The housing units distributed in each Emirate are either Emirate-specific projects, grants by the Emiri Diwan, or housing loans through the Shaikh Zayed Housing Programme.
The project is being executed by the Shaikh Zayed Housing Programme on phases. The project is under execution at the moment. Towards the end of last year, the programme has announced the names of 8,000 nationals who have been awarded housing aid.
From: Shaikha Salem Al Kindi, UAE
Your Highness, I would like to thank you for communicating with the citizens of the UAE. My question is: why don't Your Highness visit us, as students in the higher colleges of technology, and hold meetings with the UAE nationals who work in them to solve some of the issues we are facing?
I have visited the Higher Colleges of Technology more than once, and I will continue to visit the college in the future.
from: Humaid Mohammad Sulaiman Mohammad Sulaiman
Al Habshi, UAE
Your Highness: Why doesn't the Mohammad Bin Rashid Housing Programme take applications from UAE nationals from the Northern Emirates? If this programme cooperates with the Shaikh Zayed Housing Programme, then the combined budget would be solid, and all applications from all UAE nationals will be fulfilled in a very short time. All UAE nationals will receive the housing they need. Thank you for your understanding and May Allah reward your cooperation with the citizens and residents inside and outside the UAE.
The two programmes complement one another. The fact of the matter is that the Shaikh Zayed Housing Programme is the federal programme that functions in harmony with all local housing programmes. It is part of the strategic plan of the Ministry of Public Works to submit a nation-wide strategy to ensure the integration of efforts between the federal and local housing programmes across the Emirates.
From: Majid Abdul Rahman Al Bastaki, UAE
Your Highness, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, I would like to begin by thanking you for your insightful vision of launching a festival combining all the beauties of poetry across the world in one place, on our land. I would then like to ask an important question: from your point of view, could poetry fix what is ruined by politics? Thank you.
Poetry revolves around human feelings and emotions, wondering within the soul, trying to discover its peculiarities. Politics, on the other hand, doesn't involve feelings and emotions. It deals with accurate measures, and expresses interests. Politics can change with the change in interests. Thus, poetry can elevate politicians to a higher spiritual state, but it is in no way responsible for fixing the results of politics.
From: Fawziyah Mubarak Ali Mohammad Al Ahbabi, UAE
Your Highness, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, it is a great honour for the people of the UAE to have a great leader like yourself, walking the same steps of our fathers, the late Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the late Shaikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, in your vision for the country and the key role you play in making the UAE among the advanced countries. I honestly tell you, Your Highness, that people in this country look up to you with pride for the achievements you have made possible so far, and the ones that you'll make possible for the nation and the citizen at the same time. I am all hope that you'd allow me to invite you to visit my city, Al Ain, so that we could have the great honour of meeting you. Thank you and Best Regards.
I would like to thank you for your honest emotions. His Highness the President of the UAE and myself are determined to extend the vision of the founding fathers of our nation, the late Shaikh Zayed and Shaikh Rashid. Nothing gives us more pleasure than seeing the citizens of the UAE achieving the highest ranks and enjoying the highest standards of living. A while ago, I was in Al Ain, and I was very glad to graduate another batch of students from the UAE University. Al Ain remains in my heart.
From: Saoud Abdullah, Ras Al Khaimah
Your Highness, we've always known you to be energetic, lively, and in good shape and health. Do you practice sports on a daily basis? Are you on a certain diet?
I practice horse riding and walking regularly, but not on a daily basis. As for your question on diet, there is nothing special about my diet, but I make sure that I eat moderately.
From: Hamad Sulaiman, Ras Al Khaimah
I am an employee at the Ministry of Education, and I would like to tell Your Highness that development of the education sector is not being carried as effectively as the Ministry announces to the media. Many of the employees in the Ministry are concerned about their future. I was wondering if you could kindly find a mechanism to hear the views of the Ministry employees.
Development of the education system is not an easy process that can happen overnight. I assure you that the Cabinet of the UAE pays special attention to this process, and closely follows the development plans. I wish you have specified in your message the areas of weakness that you think we should look at.
As for the concern of the Ministry employees about their future, I don't think this is an accurate expression of the status of the thousands of employees working in the ministry. However, I would like to know the reasons for such concerns. I encourage you, and any other employee who is concerned about his or her career future, to write directly to me explaining the reasons for your concern so that I would have the chance to address them.
Meanwhile, I would like you, and the rest of the employees in the Ministry of education, to deal more positively with the development procedures, while expressing your opinions and views openly and bravely.
From: Um Saeed, Kalba
I am Um Saeed from Kalba. I asked my son to write this message to you. I just want to say that I can never forget your enthusiasm when our national team scored a goal and we won the Gulf Cup Championship in Abu Dhabi. However, ever since that day, things have changed. Our team is not as qualified as it used to be. It hasn't been a source of pride anymore. I would like to request from you to encourage the people in charge of the team so that they intensify their efforts. Dropping performance is intolerable. Our performance has been shameful during the Gulf Cup in Muscat and the other matches. I ask you please not to overlook this issue.
Thank you for your message, Um Saeed. Sports has its ups and downs. I agree with you that our national team hasn't been as successful after the Gulf Cup in Abu Dhabi. however, the Federation of Football is handling this issue. Meanwhile, we have very promising players in the Youth team , which won the Asian Cup. Sports is an integrated system of elements, and not a mere collection of players, play grounds, and coaches.
Three years ago, I have indicated that improvement in our performance in sports starts with strengthening the sports curriculum in schools, with special attention to sports administration and management. Today, sports are finding their ways back to schools. Moreover, we have a program for the development of sports management leaderships. Through accurate planning and hard work, we can develop our sports capacity and our national team will excel.
From: Mohammad Al Mazroui, Sharjah
Why have you adopted the retreat sessions for the ministers? And how are they useful?
Members of the government function together as a single team, and such private sessions enable team members to strengthen the bonds between them, adding a humane dimension to their relationship along side the formal relationship exercised through the Cabinet meetings and the sessions of the ministerial committees.
Private sessions do not discuss implementation and routine issues in the work of government, but concentrate on strategies and mechanisms that require focus, dedication, as well as lengthy and multiple work sessions. This is exactly the chance that retreats provide.
From: Meera, Ras Al Khaimah
I am a big fan of Shaikha Maitha Bint Mohammad, and I monitor her sports activities and I yearn to become like her. But in my school, there are no play grounds, and there are no special clubs for girls in my age, so what shall I do?
I appreciate your message very much. I do realize that there is a shortage of sports facilities in our schools as well as ladies sports clubs in many cities in the UAE. I assure you that the government plan did not overlook this issue. We will provide sports facilities in all schools across the nation. As for the ladies clubs, we have recently ordered the establishment of a multi-purpose hall for sports activities in Ras Al Khaima, and the officials in charge of this projects in the Ministry of Public Works have advised that work on this hall has been completed two months ago.
From: Ahmad Mohammad Abdul Karim, UAE
My father, Shaikh Mohammed, I am not writing to ask for or about anything. As long as Allah Almighty is watching over us, and under the supervision of Our father Shaikh Khalifa and yourself, then we are in great bliss. All our needs are fulfilled, and we, the citizens of the UAE, are all praying for your health, welfare, and protection from any evil. May Allah light your way and reward you with continued success, and preserve you for the citizens of this country. I have always longed for a channel to pass my gratitude and prayers, and I am thankful I finally found it.
Thank you Ahmad.
From: Khalid Abdullah Ali Obaid Al Naqbi, UAE
I would like to express my sincere love to you. I swear that I have brought my children to be like you. I pray for you more than I do to my own family. May Allah grant you the best of health and patience, and reward you with Paradise.
Thank you Khalid.
From: Shaikha Salem Sulaiman Salem Al Ka'abi, UAE
First, I would love to thank you for your constant communication with your people. I would like to take your permission to call you ‘My father', because I am honestly very proud of you. I am among the most admirers of your character as a loving father and a great leader. Words are not enough to describe my appreciation of you. It's the dream of my lifetime to get to see you and thank you in person for all what you've given to this nation and to its citizens. Thank you my father… thank you my leader… I say thank you to the one who instilled in me the values of determination, ambition, and the drive to constantly search for whatever is new and useful. Thank you my dear father. Your daughter, Shaikha Salem
Thank you, my daughter Shaikha, for your noble feelings. It is my pleasure to be the role model in determination and ambition to you and to my other daughters and sons, citizens of the UAE. May Allah bless you and reward you with continuous success.
From: Khalid Balhoul, UAE
In 20 to 30 years time, will there be ownership of land by UAE nationals in Dubai? What's Dubai's plan in the regard?
Yes there will be ownership of land for UAE nationals in Dubai. More than 75 per cent of our land is empty space ready for construction.
From: Jawaher Mohammad, UAE
I would like to suggest extending the maternity leave period from 60 days to one year, because the newly born child needs his or her mother the most during this period. I am currently suffering from this issue, as the mother of a newly born child, going through the motherhood experience for the first time. After my maternity leave was over, I am finding it very hard to figure out where to put my child during my work hours. My parents' house is far from my residence and the roads are always jammed with traffic in the morning, making it impossible to drop him off to my parents and yet make it to work on time.
At the same time, I am not willing to leave my child with the maid, as I worry about a lot of issues related to depending on maids such as the child's habits, language, and the maid's treatment. I am sure that many other mothers have similar concerns. I hope that you approve of my suggestion, and that you would kindly take action to solve this issue for the mothers of newly born children, including myself. May Allah grant you health and success.
The government pays never ending attention to the needs of working mothers in the UAE. As for the maternity and infant caring leave, the system applied in our country matches the best systems in the world. Before the system was adopted, it has been presented to Her highness President of the General Women Union, who has contributed to the provision of all privileges and benefits to the working mothers by law. I would also like to point out that the government has ordered the establishment of day cares within government entities, and the Ministry of Social Affairs is currently following up on the implementation of this resolution.
From: Mohammad Jamal, UAE
Your Highness, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, I would like to ask about your vision regarding scientific research at the academic level, specially in the areas of medicine and biological sciences. We, as citizens of the UAE, acquire the passion for work and excellence from your vision and your constant thrive for our nation to be the pioneer in all fiends. However, we unfortunately face some obstacles in implementing some of our scientific projects and research. Some of these obstacles include the absence of an entity that is ready to support medical and biological research. My request to Your Highness is that you would provide support in the area of scientific research, especially medical and biological research (including stem cells and re-implantation of human tissues). Thank you.
Government entities supporting scientific research exist in the UAE, such as the Emirates Foundation, headed by Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Mohammad Bin Rashid Foundation, headed by Shaikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid. Dubai Healthcare City is currently executing a medical education and research project in collaboration with Harvard University.
